Cliff Park Inn suitors need viable plan, not just a dream

Earlier this month, the National Park Service turned down a proposal by the Valor Clinic Foundation to operate the long-vacant Cliff Park Inn.

Earlier this month, the National Park Service turned down a proposal by the Valor Clinic Foundation to operate the long-vacant Cliff Park Inn.

Mark Baylis, president of the nonprofit group that aims to help homeless veterans, is now offering a new proposal.

The historic Pike County restaurant, inn and golf course closed in October 2011 when the former lessee left.

The National Park Service is seeking an operator to lease the property, make $1 million in repairs and run the business. The Park Service spends $10,000 a month to maintain the buildings and golf course.

Valor was turned down because it did not demonstrate any financial capability to make the repairs or operate the golf course, said Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John Donahue.

A request for proposals asked applicants to demonstrate a proven record of business history with financial documents showing where the money would come from.

The Valor Clinic Foundation, incorporated as a nonprofit in January 2012, admits in the new proposal that its current accounts total about $6,000.

That is not enough to maintain the place for one month.

Similar to the old proposal, the new proposal relies heavily on donated services and materials.

The Park Service is expected to use its imagination for much of the financial picture.

The proposal lists several pages of assumptions, including "the superintendent will come to understand how volunteers equal cash" and "regular customers will return upon reopening."

Valor Clinic promises a volunteer pool 2,000 people strong.

The proposal goes on to boldly announce fundraising already planned for the Cliff Park Inn, including a motorcycle run and party April 27, and a fundraiser golf tournament May 4.

The group is also exploring an outdoor concert fundraiser for July 6.

"Nobody donates on 'maybe' — we need a lease," the proposal says.

Donahue was right to turn this project down, and he should reject it again, at least for now.

While the plight of homeless veterans tugs at the heart of every caring American, this project is not well planned.

Ask any church, food pantry or the Pike library how easy it is to raise funds in today's economy. Check with worthy projects such as the GAIT therapeutic riding center and ask how easy it is to find long-term reliable volunteers.

Often just a handful of dedicated volunteers do the lion's share of work in a nonprofit.

Successful nonprofits plan for years and get funding in place before taking on enormous projects like this.

Put a group in the Cliff Park Inn that does not have the immediate capital to make repairs, and the place will slide further into disrepair.